Drinkers to be able to buy alcohol with digital ID within months under government plans

Establishments will be able to check a customer’s age using an app on their phone from autumn this year

Tom Place30 June 2026

Drinkers to be able to buy alcohol with digital ID within months under government plansEstablishments will be able to check a customer’s age using an app on their phone from autumn this year

Allow Exco Player content

This content is provided by Exco Player and may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to load the content.

Digital IDs will soon be able to be used as proof of age to purchase alcohol in England and Wales.

The government has laid the statutory instrument to amend licensing laws to permit their use, sparing customers having to bring physical documents to the pub or supermarket.

Under the new laws, establishments will be able to check a customer’s age using an app on their phone from autumn this year, subject to parliamentary procedure.

Those who prefer to prove their age using physical documents will still be able to do so.

Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones with a prototype of the ‘Government by app’ underpinned by digital ID at a Downing Street press conference (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Darren Jones with a prototype of the ‘Government by app’ underpinned by digital IDPA Wire

Labour has said that the move comes following changes to consumer habits, with pub goers preferring to use their phone than their passport.

The new law will also allow customers to prove their age without revealing further personal information such as their address.

To prove their age, punters will have to use a certified government-backed app on their phone or tablet, such as the free Yoti and Post Office EasyID apps.

Over eight million people in the UK have downloaded one of the digital ID apps.

Customers collecting their drinks at the bar of Irish pub O’Neill’s in Carnaby Street, central London.

Soon you won’t need to take your passport or driving license to the pubPA Archive

Home Office minister Sarah Jones said: “Today I am pleased to inform the House that those members of the public who are fortunate enough to look younger than their age, but are always having to carry their passport or driving licence to prove they are 18 or over to buy a pint in a pub, will soon no longer have this dilemma.

“In future, digital ID will be a quick and secure way to prove age without revealing any additional personal details to bar staff, and will mean that passports can be left safely at home by those who choose this option.”

She added: “With the increasing adoption of secure digital technologies, the government recognises the need to align legislation with today’s consumer habits and modern technology.”